fin-nor, as much as it will upset some posters on this site, the Veritas rod has a history of having problems with the ferrules, in the past there have been several threads on this site based on this subject. Some people love them, whilst others don't.

Because I have dared to make such an opinion known, I will now be the subject of much abuse. This is perfectly normal, but I speak with experience: I owned two of the early models and was very happy when I replaced them. Sorry, this is probably not what you wish to read, but honest questions deserve honest answers.

You may form your own opinion based on whether you should have to return the rod to the shop before it has even tasted salt water.